אָרַשׂ (a.ra.s)
a.ra.s
to betroth
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb aras means to become engaged or formally betrothed, marking a binding legal commitment rather than a casual romantic courtship. In the Old Testament, this act creates an unbreakable covenantal bond between two people, effectively making them husband and wife in the eyes of the law even before they begin living together. This distinction is crucial for understanding ancient Israelite marriage customs, where the engagement period served as a serious transition phase.
Its usage highlights the gravity of relational fidelity. For instance, Deuteronomy 20:7 encourages men to return home if they have betrothed a wife but not yet taken her, treating the promise as already significant. Similarly, in 2 Samuel 3:14, King David demands the return of his first wife Michal from her new husband as part of a political negotiation, asserting that his prior betrothal gave him rights over her status. The word underscores that breaking such a bond was not merely a personal slight but a violation of a sacred agreement.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word aras describes a formal betrothal, a binding legal commitment that held more weight than modern engagement. In ancient Israel, this was not merely a promise to marry later; it established a covenantal bond that made the couple husband and wife in the eyes of the law before they lived together. This distinction highlights the seriousness of relational fidelity and the gravity of keeping one’s word.
Understanding this context helps us see how highly God values trust and commitment. When Deuteronomy 20:7 allows a man who has betrothed a wife to return home from battle, it shows that this promise was already considered significant enough to warrant protection. It reminds us that our words carry weight and that faithfulness in small promises reflects a heart aligned with God’s design for relationships.
This ancient practice invites us to consider the depth of our own commitments. Whether in marriage or other covenants, we are called to integrity and steadfastness. Let this word encourage you to honor your promises, knowing that God sees the sincerity of your heart and values the trust you build with others.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- <the>/ betrothed2×
- you will betroth1×
- she is betrothed1×
- he has betrothed1×
- betrothed1×
- I betrothed1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַ/מְאֹ֣רָשָׂ֔ה2×
- תְאָרֵ֗שׂ1×
- מְאֹרָשָׂ֖ה1×
- אֹרָ֔שָׂה1×
- אֵרַ֤שׂ1×
- אֵרַ֣שְׂתִּי1×
Key Verses
-
Deuteronomy 20:7
What man is there who has pledged to be married to a wife, and has not taken her? Let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man take her.”
This verse shows that betrothal was considered a binding status significant enough to exempt a man from military service, treating the promise as already established.
-
II Samuel 3:14
David sent messengers to Ishbosheth, Saul’s son, saying, “Deliver me my wife Michal, whom I was given to marry for one hundred foreskins of the Philistines.”
David claims Michal back by referencing his prior betrothal, demonstrating that this legal bond conferred rights over her status even after she had been given to another man.
-
Deuteronomy 22:23
If there is a young lady who is a virgin pledged to be married to a husband, and a man finds her in the city, and lies with her,
The law distinguishes between a virgin pledged to be married and one who is not, imposing stricter penalties for infidelity during the betrothal period due to the existing covenantal bond.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word aras mean?
How is betrothal different from modern engagement?
Where does the word appear in the Bible?
Every Occurrence (7 verses across 2 books)
Deuteronomy 6 verses
What man is there who has pledged to be married to a wife, and has not taken her? Let him go and return to his house,…
Deuteronomy 22:23If there is a young lady who is a virgin pledged to be married to a husband, and a man finds her in the city, and lies…
Deuteronomy 22:25But if the man finds the lady who is pledged to be married in the field, and the man forces her and lies with her, then…
Deuteronomy 22:27for he found her in the field, the pledged to be married lady cried, and there was no one to save her.
Deuteronomy 22:28If a man finds a lady who is a virgin, who is not pledged to be married, grabs her and lies with her, and they are…
Deuteronomy 28:30You will betroth a wife, and another man shall lie with her. You will build a house, and you won’t dwell in it. You…